It's Not a Life Simulation Game! Section 17

Even knowing this affection was intentionally guided, she still acknowledged its authenticity. On that point…

"We're the same…"

Stroking the ornate patterns on the ticket, she whispered softly.

Chapter 13: Because I like you, we can't be lovers.

[With everything laid bare, you and Sakura came to understand each other better, and became more aware of this peculiar affection between you. Although you both knew it was the result of deliberate guidance, you no longer paid much mind to it.]

[Well… that's what you tell yourselves, but perhaps there's still a slight lingering hesitation in your hearts. Your relationship has only taken half a step forward, not quite reaching that point yet. It's that kind of "watching makes me anxious" beauty. Uh… should that so-called "hesitation" be replaced with "shyness" to be more accurate?]

[On the appointed day, you brought Sakura to the city where Eden was holding her concert. Besides enjoying Eden's singing, you also visited many places together. At least at this moment, you and Sakura weren't the feared assassin duo; you were just friends who had mutual feelings but hadn't yet gotten together for various reasons.]

[It's worth mentioning that at Eden's concert, sitting next to you were two young men. One had striking white hair, and the other had long gray hair.]

[The white-haired young man was very enthusiastic, giving off a very sunny impression. As he sat down, he casually greeted you, which left a deep impression.]

[The other, gray-haired young man seemed very quiet, his personality appearing to be the complete opposite of his friend. Although you could sense his emotional fluctuations, he didn't express them overtly, forming a stark contrast with his friend beside him, whose emotions were practically written on his face.]

[It's quite rare to see people with these two personalities together… and quite interesting.]

[As expected, this is "friendship"…]

[However, rest time always passes quickly. Another mission came in, still a few assassination tasks. These weren't difficult for the two of you. Although your relationship had undergone some subtle changes, your attitude remained professional during "work."]

[Afterward, some more time passed bit by bit… and during this period, something happened that caught your attention… or perhaps it was a news report?]

[A major accident occurred in Eastern Europe. It seemed like a nuclear power plant exploded? At least, that's what the news said, but you had a vague feeling that something wasn't right.]

[As expected, not long after, your superiors informed you of the incident's peculiar nature and planned to arrange for you to join a new organization – Moth to Fire. This organization is responsible for handling a special disaster known as "Honkai."]

[It wasn't about being a "mole" or anything like that; it was a straightforward joining. In other words, you were entering "Moth to Fire" representing the Poison Chrysalis faction, carrying a symbolic meaning. Of course, if anyone were to investigate, they would understand that your joining was a display of power and a declaration from Poison Chrysalis. Your superiors intended to use you, this sharp "Blade," to gain more influence.]

[But for now, those matters have nothing to do with you. Your lives are no different than before. You've simply transitioned from being hidden "assassins" to a publicly acknowledged "Special Operations Team." The missions you undertake are no different from before.]

[In fact, you're even freer. After all, when you could join with normal identities, it meant Poison Chrysalis had joined "Moth to Fire" in a relatively formal manner. The subsequent process of vying for influence would need to be conducted "within the rules." As for "outside-the-rules" methods like yours, they would need to be used less… at least not at this stage.]

[Aside from daily training and necessary missions, you have little else to do. Besides setting aside time to study the latest information on "Honkai," you could only accompany each other on strolls around the base.]

[To your surprise, you encountered her again here – Elysia.]

[You still remember it was an afternoon. You and Sakura were strolling through Moth to Fire's training base – with no particular destination, just walking. Many people had grown accustomed to you, as you two were almost always together, entering and exiting in pairs. Although most colleagues hadn't confirmed it, they still regarded you as a rare couple within the base.]

[Then, that nimble pink elf appeared, with long pink hair similar to Sakura's and a faint, unique scent. She lightly approached you.]

[She first chatted a few words with Sakura. Her proactive and somewhat erratic conversation left Sakura struggling to keep up.]

[Perhaps sensing Sakura's difficulty in keeping up with her initiative, or perhaps intentionally, she shifted her gaze to you.]

[Seeing her smile at you, you realized she had recognized you. Her conversation with Sakura earlier was just to find out what your "new friend" was like.]

[As expected, she spoke, starting with "It's been a long time," and you responded with similar words.]

[Seeing that you seemed somewhat familiar with each other, Sakura looked a bit taken aback.]

[She invited you and Sakura to accompany her, even if it was just a casual walk – she really wanted to chat with you, her long-unseen friend.]

[You readily agreed, and Sakura also nodded, not objecting.]

[You talked a lot along the way. Although most of the time Elysia was talking and you and Sakura were listening, you would occasionally respond – just like before.]

[Even when Elysia intentionally steered the conversation toward you and Sakura, you mostly gave vague answers.]

[She saw that you didn't want to say more, so she didn't press further. Reuniting was a joyous occasion in itself; there was no need to delve too deeply into what each other had experienced. After all, for you, the reunion itself was the most delightful thing.]

[However, as the conversation continued, Sakura's mood gradually became lower. Elysia showed some concern, but Sakura simply said she was fine.]

[Sakura noticed your attention towards Elysia and could sense your timidity and awkwardness in front of her – you even reduced your candy consumption.]

[Coupled with Elysia's similar pink long hair, these things made Sakura understand who Poison Chrysalis wanted her to replace in your heart, and why they chose her as the "Sheath" back then.]

[Because she understood, she felt a pang of sadness.]

[Finally, perhaps sensing the awkward atmosphere, or genuinely having something else to do, Elysia left after saying goodbye.]

[Silence permeated the space between you and Sakura, but soon, you returned to your previous atmosphere, strolling casually through the base as if the reunion with Elysia was just a minor interlude.]

[But you both knew that your future lives would undoubtedly change, and your relationship… might also be altered because of it.]

[Perhaps even the higher-ups in Poison Chrysalis didn't anticipate that simply joining a special organization to gain more influence would lead to your reunion with Elysia. In the vast sea of people in this world, it was such a coincidence, at such a delicate point in time, that you would meet again.]

[It happened precisely at the time Poison Chrysalis was attempting to gain more power within "Moth to Fire." This special organization, spearheaded by the United Nations with numerous organizations gathered, was an excellent platform for Poison Chrysalis to operate. Although they couldn't compete with others "within the rules," for them, who excelled at using underhanded tactics, it was as simple as flipping the table – eliminating opponents directly. And conveniently, the sharpest "Blade" they possessed was best at such things, as long as no evidence was left behind.]

[But now… with the emergence of Elysia as an unpredictable variable, the higher-ups would likely have to reconsider. Because they were also well aware of Elysia's significance in your heart – a "knot" that couldn't be untied even with numerous methods and considerable time, even resorting to drugs that directly damaged nerves. Consequently, they had to scout for a suitable "Sheath" to replace Elysia in your heart.]

[It's just a shame that this plan, after finally making some progress and almost seeing success… failed.]

[Since that's the case, then let's extract the final value from you, this "Blade," and your corresponding "Sheath."]

[And so, your missions increased significantly. You weren't only accepting assassinations targeting "individuals" from Poison Chrysalis but also undertaking missions for Moth to Fire concerning the special disaster – Honkai.]

[It's because you are among the few who can withstand the erosion of Honkai energy – that's what they said.]

[Your original "privileges" were also gradually lost. They didn't directly revoke your privileges; they just made excuses or used information about "those guys" to lure you, forcing you to continue "working." After all, they knew very well that your animosity towards "those guys" was equivalent to your cherish for Elysia.]

[Sakura and you also drifted apart without realizing it, each leading your own small teams. Your relationship didn't develop cracks; rather, the heavy workload often forced you to separate for missions. Sakura hadn't even visited Ling in a long time and could only communicate with her remotely using the pendant you gifted her.]

[Yes, the cherry blossom pendant you gave her back then was a special communication terminal with a dedicated paired communication channel. As long as it connected to the network, it could call the other party, perfect for whispering secrets. Of course, this function could also be turned off to prevent certain "accidents."]

[Additionally, the function of "image data stored in the projection" from the regular version is still available. This allows Sakura to view memories of herself and Ling through the pendant when she misses Ling but the environment and time don't permit it—of course, you are also in some of those memories.]

[Sometimes you feel Sakura's actions are unnecessary, even giving off a subtle "not quite right" feeling. But according to Sakura, it helps her calm her emotions and strengthen her resolve, so you indulge her.]

[Of course, during the short breaks after completing missions, you can still meet in the Moth to Fire base and then take aimless strolls through the base together, or perhaps have a few low-alcohol drinks at the base's bar—neither you nor Sakura are big fans of alcohol, as it can affect your body and thus your performance during missions. However, a small drink occasionally is fine.]

[Sakura wine is quite delicious, by the way, and Sakura's cooking is as good as she says it is.]

[Elysia is naturally involved in the interim. She cherishes you as a friend... no, perhaps pities you. After all, she couldn't help you back then, which indirectly led to Father Enrique's death, so she pays a lot of attention to you.]

[Naturally, being observant, she notices that her presence is causing trouble for you and Sakura. Therefore, she intends to have a talk with Sakura—she doesn't want her presence to ruin the relationship between you and Sakura. She truly wishes to offer her best blessings to you and Sakura in that "dreamlike scene"~]

"This is far enough, Elysia."

Sakura stopped her steps and said to Elysia, who was walking ahead.

"You can say whatever you need to say here."

"Eh~ But if we walk a little further, we'll reach the Sky Garden. That's a place Moth to Fire specially built for everyone to relax and rest. Soon there will be wine and coffee there, it's a great place for a short break~ Don't you want to see it?"

Elysia lightly turned around, her pink ponytail tied at the back swaying gently as it fell.

"This was built by the people above for themselves. We're just enjoying it along with them."

Sakura shook her head and said so.

"Honestly, Sakura, don't say such realistic things~ Be more romantic~"

Elysia leaned forward slightly, saying with a smile.

"Besides, maybe he'll like that place too? Right?"

"…………"

"Hehe~ Sakura, you're so easy to read~?"

Elysia smiled, took a step forward again, and walked towards their original destination.

Sakura hesitated for a moment before finally choosing to follow.

As they entered the [Sky Garden], the hurried footsteps from outside were shut out. Inside, there was only a comfortable quiet and the fresh scent of flowers and plants.

"Hum hum~ Hum hum~?"

Elysia hummed a soft tune, strolling through the garden with light steps. Her pink ponytail swayed gently behind her, like a fairy amidst the flowers.

"Alright, alright~ If I delay any longer, I'll become annoying, and I won't do that~?"

Finding a place to rest, Elysia said so.

"So? Elysia, why did you ask me here?"

"Oh, I just wanted to chat and get closer~ Do you really dislike me, Sakura?"

"...Not really."

Sakura shook her head. To be honest, Elysia was very likable. Although sometimes she was a bit too forward, making it hard to handle, she knew how to control it. She was someone who was hard to dislike.

"I'm just wondering why you came to find me alone."

"Did I interrupt your date with Xi Wang? If so, I apologize~"

"...He and I are not like that."

Sakura was momentarily speechless by Elysia's words. She shook her head, denying it, and then added, "And don't casually change people's names."

"...Is that so? My apologies."

This time, Elysia's expression stiffened slightly, and her tone became a little dejected.

"However, that was his original name. He just changed it now... Hmm..."

She probably understood why Xi Wang gave up that name. It was precisely because she knew that Elysia felt dejected and held a bit of guilt towards Xi Wang.

"...I think I understand."

Sakura quickly guessed why Elysia had asked her here.

"Hehe~ As expected, Sakura is very smart too~"

Elysia smiled, leaned towards Sakura, tilted her body, and asked curiously, leaning close to Sakura who was sitting beside her.

"So, how much do you know about Wang? I'm really curious. Everything from when you met until now~ You guys seem to have such a good relationship~ To this point and still not lovers, it's not just me, many companions are getting anxious~"

"...There's nothing to say."

Sakura's lips twitched, but she still said so.

"You want to keep it to yourself? That's nice~"

"Elysia..."

"Hehe~ Alright, I won't tease you anymore~"